FB: American Rivers Conference

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Sounds like the Rams put up a good fight.  Hopefully they can turn these improvements into W's.  It would be nice to have some things to show in W/L column when they go on the recruiting trail.  Sherden is a horse, I never did catch why he only played two quarters but it obviously gave the Rams a boost.  He's the only guy that even when I tackled low he still made me see stars.  Toughest runner I ever played against. 

Sherden left due to injury in the 2nd quarter and the 2nd string QB played the entire game.

http://sports.luther.edu/men/football/season-2007/recaps/cornell.html

[Airborne Dutch]

DutchFan, I graduated in 2006 (and went to basic training two days later), so I played in 2002, fractured and dislocated my ankle in 2003, sat out 2004 (see 2003) and came back and played in 2005 (I was #20). Didn't play too much, but it was well worth it to be a part of that season. I might snuck an interception or two in against Tim during 7-on-7 drills  . Right now I am stationed at FOB Salerno near Khowst, Afghanistan with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne. Its pretty quiet in our province, but things have started to pick up here and there (the rocket attacks are becoming more frequent). Most of the heavy stuff takes place down south around Kandahar or up north around Jalalabad. I've done 9 months so far and I have 77 days until I go on leave and should be outta here for good in April 08.

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Unlike most of the Iowa Conference that maybe has a top two (or three) this year but most of the rest of the pack could finish between 4th and 9th, all season I have been seeing how the MIAC seems to have a clear gap between the teams in the upper half of the league and the lower half.  I will use St. Olaf as a good example:

9/1  Oles 26 - Luther (IIAC) 19
9/8  Oles 45 - Valley City State 14
9/15 Oles 56 - Hamline (MIAC) 7
9/22 Oles 70 - Augsburg (MIAC) 31
9/29 Oles 59 - Gustavus (MIAC) 19

St. Olaf was picked 3rd in the MIAC preseason poll.

However, just when you think you have a decent vibe on some teams, Carleton almost beats St. John's and had them down 7-0 in the 4th quarter.  The Johnnies had only scored 114 points in the previous two wins over Concordia and Augsburg.

On a weekend when Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and other rated programs lost to teams that weren't rated, I remember thinking on Saturday that it must be fun almost every year to be following Central or St. John's.  They might not always win in a convincing fashion, but they seem to find a way to win games even when they struggle on a given Saturday.

I guess Loras wasn't as beat up at RB as some of were led to believe.  I am looking forward to another Luther-Loras game this Saturday!  The Duhawks almost always have good athletes on defense, but on offense they can really be different from year to year.  Can anyone that has seem them this year give me a scouting report on what they saw?  How good is the defense besides Hall?

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Right now I am stationed at FOB Salerno near Khowst, Afghanistan with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne. Its pretty quiet in our province, but things have started to pick up here and there (the rocket attacks are becoming more frequent). Most of the heavy stuff takes place down south around Kandahar or up north around Jalalabad. I've done 9 months so far and I have 77 days until I go on leave and should be outta here for good in April 08.

Good luck over the next 77 days!  Afghanistan and what our forces are doing over there does not always get the attention in this country that it deserves, but the vast majority of this country appreciate and respect men like you who are putting your neck on the line and doing your part to do what your country asks of you!

[dbljay21]

DutchFan, I graduated in 2006 (and went to basic training two days later), so I played in 2002, fractured and dislocated my ankle in 2003, sat out 2004 (see 2003) and came back and played in 2005 (I was #20). Didn't play too much, but it was well worth it to be a part of that season. I might snuck an interception or two in against Tim during 7-on-7 drills  . Right now I am stationed at FOB Salerno near Khowst, Afghanistan with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne. Its pretty quiet in our province, but things have started to pick up here and there (the rocket attacks are becoming more frequent). Most of the heavy stuff takes place down south around Kandahar or up north around Jalalabad. I've done 9 months so far and I have 77 days until I go on leave and should be outta here for good in April 08.

I have nothing but respect for any of our service men and women who are serving overseas like you    Two of my good friends did two tours each in Iraq and are now both home.  One of them is playing ball at Northern Illinois and is doing very well.  Thanks for doing what you are doing...it is greatly appreciated 

[Thunderbolt]

  I can't believe we're coming up on the half way point of the season. All the Dutch injuries just might make them better down the stretch. Connell has definately thrown his hat in the ring for MVP. Looking at Wartburgs season stats, very impressive. Especially defense and play selection. Coe sits quietly, undefeated. Dubuque has proven that last year wasn't a fluke. Nothing much settled with the rest of the league except that they will compete every Saturday. Good luck to the Spartan player and all others who have been injured.

[dbljay21]

Dubuque has proven that last year wasn't a fluke.

Anyone think Dowjone$ will make an appearance by the end of the year?  You could always count on that guy for some trash-talking 

[doolittledog]

Warthogs post on the previous page got me thinking about attendance and traveling for road games.  From my time of going to games in the late '80's into the early '90's it seems like attendance at games is higher than what I remember.  Plus, other than Central filling half of Chalmers I don't remember any other teams bringing a sizable group of away fans with them.  It seems now though overall and away attendance is much higher.  Anybody out there with any theories on this???

As far as settings for the games being played.  I never thought of the old Chalmers as anything special but I think once the new stadium is done Dubuque will have a great place to play.  Plus you will always be able to find a place or 3 to have a drink and food after the game in Dubuque.  I loved the Rock Bowl.  Luther was great, the one time we went there it was sunny and the leaves were changing and we got great pizza afterwards.  Wartburg was great, long before the renovation though.  I had friends going to WB at that time and we partied in that dorm that overlooks the field.  Surprisingly I really liked Upper Iowa...was that the only field without a track around it???  BV was nice but windy and cold and a long drive.  I wasn't impressed but then again if I went on a nice day I probably would have been.  I plan to make it to Coe and Cornell this year.  I suspect I will like them.  Have never been to Simpson or Central.  

[HoosierinIowa]

I have to eat some crow and congratulate Tim Connell on his play thus far for Central. I had serious questions about his abilities after his sophomore year, but he has really played like a true senior leader. It would have been easy for Central to fold their tents in several games this year but his play has really elevated the team. He is my candidate for Iowa Conference MVP thus far.

[DutchFan2004]

Airbourne,

Tim says hello and thanks for your concern.  I want to thank you for your willingness to serve our country.  If not for men like you we could not have all the fun here that we enjoy.  Hats off to you and all the men and women you serve with. 


Floyd,

Loras did a great job of taking care of the ball when we played them.  The QB didn't force any bad passes and the RB's ran the ball hard.  It will be a great game I am sure.  I think Luther will want to mix the pass more and be more unpredictable to help open up there running game.  I hope Sherden is ok hate to see any senior get hurt the last year.

[ramfan27]

Does anyone know what Sherden's injury was, and how serious it may or may not be.  If I remember right hasn't he had some hamstring injuries in the past.  And does anyone else think that Luther might be riding the Tyler Sherden bus a little hard?  I know he's their best player, but he has 111 carries in 3.5 games.  Especially for a guy who has had some injury issues before.  It seems like there should be some alternative options, play action passes, or fb trap plays or something that should be pretty effective given that most teams are keying on Sherden.  Anybody that's seen Luther play, is that the feeling you get or am I looking too deep into the stats?

[DutchHawk]

I agree that Connell is one of the front runners for MVP in the true sense that Central wouldnt have won a few of those games so far without him! Thats what MVP means to me but there are also quite a few other players out there with a legitimate chance too. It will probably come down to who plays the best the next 5 games.

I heard the Dutch had a lot of Sophs and Freshman out on the field Saturday. That only bodes well for the program. To win convincingly with 2 first team all conference players on Defense out. Experience and depth is how you stay the best.

I am rooting for Wartburg and Central until the 10th for sure. Its our best shot at getting 2 real quality teams into the playoffs! Not counting everyone else out but to have these to at 7 and 11 ranked nationally, its good for the IIAC. Hopefully everyone can stay injury free the rest of the year!

[dutchfan1]

Airbourne -- you're a class act all the way around. It was a pleasure meeting you a few years ago. Best of luck in your next 77 days. By serving, you are making the whole Dutch family proud. Go Central!!

I tell you, this is the last time I choose the Hawks over Central. I had tickets to the Iowa game, so I went to it instead of Central's homecoming. I definitely missed the better game.

Everyone who mentions their karma rating....seriously, have you read the MIAC board? We are starting to sound like the self-obsessed 4th grade girls that post on that board. People will "rate" according to your posts, irregardless of who you back. If you say something dumb, your karma will undoubtedly take a hit. The passive-aggressive types will get all bent out of shape about what people think. Don't be that person.

OK, enough said -- DF2004 -- glad your son is doing well. It sounds like he had a hell of a game. I can't want to see him in action in a couple of weeks!

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Does anyone know what Sherden's injury was, and how serious it may or may not be.  If I remember right hasn't he had some hamstring injuries in the past.  And does anyone else think that Luther might be riding the Tyler Sherden bus a little hard?  I know he's their best player, but he has 111 carries in 3.5 games.  Especially for a guy who has had some injury issues before.  It seems like there should be some alternative options, play action passes, or fb trap plays or something that should be pretty effective given that most teams are keying on Sherden.  Anybody that's seen Luther play, is that the feeling you get or am I looking too deep into the stats?

Sherden is getting a lot of carries when he plays.  I don't have an issue with the run/pass ratio for the most part this year given where the experience is at, but other backs could be involved much more.  Too often the other backs get the ball only when Sherden is on the sideline.  I too am concerned about the star tailback being on the sideline more and more if things aren't mixed up more while he is on the field.

Wartburg is the only team that has ever shut Tyler down (this year , not 2005 ), but Cornell started to slow him down a little more as the game went along.  It seems obvious to feed the fullback more while Tyler is in the game and everyone is focusing on him, but the coaches have their reasons.

He is a huge part of the offense, especially with the backup QB running the offense as of last week.

[old school ENP Tiger]

I have to eat some crow and congratulate Tim Connell on his play thus far for Central. I had serious questions about his abilities after his sophomore year, but he has really played like a true senior leader. It would have been easy for Central to fold their tents in several games this year but his play has really elevated the team. He is my candidate for Iowa Conference MVP thus far.

Not to make you eat it but I guess I'm not quite sure how you question abilities as a sophomore and then skip ahead to a senoir year.  Most Sophomore starters struggle and are no where near what they are as a senoir. (unless you are Drew Tate who was better early and declined)  9-1 as  a sophomore, 10-0 as a jr.  2 titles...two playoff losses to UWW and St John's (not bad teams)  Didn't make mistakes to cost them games in those years. 

On a side note that was Connell's 2nd full season as a starting QB as a Sophomore(started sr year at QB in high school, state title) and to jump into college that way is a tough spot.

If the second half goes close to the first of this season he will leave central with career records for the school in passing TD's, passing Yards, TD's for a season, Passing yards for a season. passer rate for a season.  He already holds records for consecutive pass completions, total offense and most completions in a game.  will not even come close in attempts for season or carreer ( 129) this far so the season needs 324.  55 in a game HA! probably not.  Carreer 792, 613 right now.  Most of the records were set by Shad Flynn a starter in the early 90s.  But then again this is Central and most of the time they like to just hand the ball off so numbers aren't everything....

I am a hawk fan so pounce all over me on the big ten season...not sure if Iowa is going to right the ship anytime soon....for some reason we can't figure out how to defend more than 2 wide outs at 1 time.  Or basketball, no where near your hoosiers.